As the English Premier League (EPL) season hurtles toward its conclusion this weekend, local pundits are placing their bets on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to secure their fourth consecutive EPL title.
Pep Guardiola’s City sits two points clear of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, both having completed 38 matches, with 27 wins apiece.
City boasts three losses, compared to Arsenal’s five, as well as a goal difference of 88, compared to Arsenal’s 86.
In the upcoming fixtures, City will face West Ham, a walk in the park as suggested by fans, while Arsenal takes on Everton.
Pundits like Paulus Shipanga said there will not be any twists and turns, as Arsenal is confident and has the ability to overcome Everton, highlighting their determination and hope for a last push at a title win.
He also predicts City’s triumph over West Ham, highlighting their familiarity with pressure, and Guardiola’s seasoned leadership.
“City will win their match against West Ham and clinch the title. The coach is experienced and knows what it means. They are ready to rewrite the record books once more by becoming the first side to ever win four consecutive English top-flight titles,” he said.
City moved to the top of the table, two points ahead of Arsenal – thanks to Erling Haaland’s second-half double to beat Tottenham on Tuesday night.
This is after Arsenal defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Sunday, and were hoping for Tottenham to beat City.
A die-hard Arsenal fan, Simson Paulus, said Tottenham messed up things for the Gunners.
“We depended heavily on them to defeat City so that we clinch the title. But they performed poorly. I guess that’s what happens when you leave your fortune in others’ hands,” he said.
He added that he has no hope in West Ham to do damage to City’s hopes.
To conclude, City will win the title if they beat West Ham.
If they draw or lose, they will be crowned champions if Arsenal fail to win.
Another factor that will decide the way the title sways is if both teams finish level on points.
The team who has the most points in the head-to-head matches will be crowned champion.
Arsenal has a head-to-head advantage over City. They beat City 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium in October, before the teams played out a goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium in March.
Arsenal must beat Everton to stand any chance of a first title since the 2003-4 season.
If they do pick up three points against Sean Dyche’s side, then they will win the league if City fails to beat West Ham due to their superior goal difference.
-lmupetami@nepc.com.na